Grizzlies 113, Kings 81
SACRAMENTO -- The Memphis Grizzlies dominated the second half on the way to a 113-81 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night before an announced crowd of 11,531 at Sleep Train Arena.
The Grizzlies won a second consecutive game for the first time in two weeks, improving their record to 22-10.
The Kings (13-22) had their home winning streak halted at four games.
Memphis outrebounded the Kings 44-37, and the Grizzlies' league-leading defense held the Kings 15 points below their season average.
The Grizzlies outscored the Kings 36-20 in the third quarter, with reserve Wayne Ellington leading the way. He scored Memphis' final 10 points of the period, hitting two 3-pointers and two other baskets. The former Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard registered a career-high 26 points in 30 minutes, making 10 of 11 field-goal attempts, including six of seven from 3-point range.
Memphis held a 26-16 advantage in fourth-quarter scoring, meaning the Kings managed just 36 points after halftime.
The Grizzlies had six players score in double figures, including Zach Randolph with 17 points and Mike Conley with 15. Randolph grabbed seven rebounds, and Conley added eight assists.
John Salmons led the Kings with 17. Sacramento power forward Jason Thompson scored 12, while center DeMarcus Cousins had 10.
NOTES: The Kings began a five-game homestand. ... Memphis guard Tony Allen has won consecutive All-NBA defensive selections, but Conley led the team in steals last season, as he does this season. Allen had three steals Monday, while Conley had one. ... Memphis' 21-10 record entering the game was tied for the best start in franchise history. ... Memphis forced 14 Sacramento turnovers, the 136th consecutive time the Grizzlies' opponent has finished in double figures. That's the longest active streak in the league. New York is second with a 46-game streak. ... The Kings got back the services of swingman Tyrone Evans (sore left knee), who scored five points in 12 minutes. Coach Keith Smart said he hoped to work him in slowly. "Tyreke had he not had a setback," Smart said. "There is no telling where he'd be because he was playing good basketball." ... Memphis coach Lionel Hollins talked about Cousins: "There is no comparison between Cousins and Zach Randolph. Cousins is bigger, quicker and more of a leaper than Zach. Zach wishes he could be as tall as Cousins."
